December 9, 2009

Ken Kopp is the proud owner of the first production SkyViews installed in an airplane. His two 7" Displays are shown here in his RV-8, along with an EFIS-D10A as an independent backup. In his words: "Received the SkyView system today. WOW! What a nice piece of engineering... I had pretty much everything ready to go based upon your documentation and the panels dropped right into place and installed in 5 minutes or so."

Dynon Avionics is pleased to announce that Mendelssohn Pilot Supplies have been appointed our European Stocking Distributor.

By appointing a European Stocking Distributor, Dynon now offers first class service for its European customers.Mendelssohn carries a complete inventory of Dynon products at their Edinburgh, UK location, so that European customers can expect quick, efficient order processing, shipment and support.

Home builders, aircraft manufacturers, and avionics shops can contact them at www.gps.co.uk, or by calling at +44 131 447 7777.Mendelssohn will be selling directly to end-users, and also offer wholesale pricing for avionics dealers and aircraft manufacturers.

November 2, 2009

Congratulations to Dan and Jan, winners of our SkyView Pricing contest! They had the closest guesses to the actual total price of the SkyView components listed in the contest.

Jan lives in Berghem, Sweden. He currently flies a Cessna 172 but is building a Van's RV-7A.

Dan lives in Katy, Texas, and is also building a Van's RV-7A.

We don’t know what it is about RV-7 builders, except that they must know an exceptional value when they see it!

We had a lot of entries, and we thank everyone for taking the time to make your guesses. The average of all guesses was $1000 over the actual prices, which means that pilots must believe we are offering a good deal. And once everyone sees the engineering details and quality built into the SkyView products, they will get even more than they thought they purchased!

November 1, 2009

Dynon Avionics Announces Prices for New SkyView System - Starting at $3,900

November 1st, 2009

Woodinville, WA, USA, November 1st, 2009 – Dynon Avionics is pleased to announce prices for its SkyView System, setting a new standard for product quality at prices lower than any comparable products. Orders and shipments are scheduled to start in December, 2009.

A SkyView EFIS System starts as low as $3,900 for a 7” display plus ADAHRS Module. Adding an Engine System Module adds $600 for a total of $4,500. Adding a second, redundant ADAHRS Module is only $800. An “Ultimate System”, with dual 10” displays, redundant ADAHRS, Engine Monitor, and backup battery is only $9,980.

SkyView System Prices:

MODEL NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

PRICE

SV-D700

SkyView 7” Display (includes main wiring harness)

$2,700

SV-D1000

SkyView 10” Display (includes main wiring harness)

$3,600

SV-ADAHRS-200

SkyView ADAHRS - First

$1,200

SV-ADAHRS-201

SkyView ADAHRS - Additional

$800

SV-EMS-220

SkyView Engine Monitoring Module

$600

SV-MAP-270

SkyView Navigation Mapping Software (*not yet available)

$500*

SV-GPS-250

SkyView GPS 5Hz Receiver Module

$200

SV-BAT-320

SkyView Backup Battery

$180

Commenting on the new SkyView System, Dynon President John Torode recalls “Our first EFIS products were based on the premise that we could make high-quality avionics available at prices all pilots could afford. I am pleased that our team of engineers and developers can continue this tradition with a technologically advanced system that pilots will love to fly behind.”

Founded in 2000, Dynon Avionics is the leading manufacturer of avionics for Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft. Continuing a tradition started with the introduction of their first Electronic Flight Information System “glass panel”, Dynon is committed to developing innovative and high-quality avionics at affordable prices for all pilots.

For more information about Dynon Avionics Inc., please contact Robert Hamilton, Sales and Marketing Manager, at 425-402-0433 or Robert@DynonAvionics.com.

October 28, 2009

Before we're willing to sell you avionics that are suitable your aircraft, we put them through a suite of grueling qualification tests. This unit has just spent some time being cold-soaked to -30C (-22F).....

October 7, 2009

Fall weather is here; days are shorter and the air is colder and crisper. And, it means SkyView is right around the corner!

PROGRESS SkyView has been flying in Beta aircraft for two months now, with all the hardware in place and working well. We are constantly adding software features and pilots are flying daily. They report that synthetic vision is a great enhancement.

SCHEDULE We are still on track to take orders and ship products on December 1st. It's not in the bag yet, and there are always a few incredibly difficult, impossible to solve problems to get over. But nothing out of the ordinary. :-) We have some features that won’t be available on day 1, but we’ve been reporting that all along. See our SkyView Webpage for updated information.

We will announce pricing on November 2nd, and be showing the latest version at AOPA Summit in Tampa. Stop by and say hi if you are there... we plan to show pilots who fly certified aircraft what they could buy if they went experimental or Light Sport.

GUESS THE PRICES CONTEST!!Speaking of pricing; we thought we would offer a fun contest. Guess the list price for each of the following seven SkyView components, and if you are the closest, win one of two $250 gift certificates.

Official Fine Print: Contest void where prohibited. Anyone we may have already told or strongly hinted (magazines, dealers, OEMs, employees) are prohibited. Prizes are two $250 gift certificates redeemable for Dynon products. Winners will be chosen at random from among those who guess the closest. The decision of Dynon is final. We are doing this for fun so we hope everyone participates for fun! No cheaters!

September 17, 2009

Well, of course, real space elevators are somewhere between many and infinite years away, depending on who you ask. But that's not stopping some enterprising folks from running The Space Elevator Games to help develop the concept and technology that are need to make them real. Sponsored in part by NASA, there's some decent cash awards up for grabs!

So how does a Dynon EFIS-D10A fit into all this? Well, the "space elevator" is simulated by hovering a helicopter at a fixed point in above the ground, with a steel cable tether playing the part of the elevator. Teams then build vehicles that can move payloads up and down the simulated "elevator". In order for this to work at all, the helicopter needs to be at a fixed point in space in order to keep the cable stationary. Enter the Dynon. With it's stabilized magnetic heading readout, the Dynon first allows the pilot to stay pointed in the the direction he desires. Next, with a GPS connected, he gets a wind vector on the EFIS display, helping him figure out which direction is the best one to be pointed in (into the wind). Next, the pilot programs a waypoint into an external GPS, but uses the Dynon's superior HSI display with its large CDI and bearing pointer to hit his mark. Here's a video of that process in action:

For more detailed information on the technical challenges and how the Dynon EFIS-D10A is employed, see the Space Elevator Games site.

September 1, 2009

Woodinville, WA, USA, September 28, 2009 – Dynon Avionics is pleased to announce that Mendelssohn Pilot Supplies have been appointed our European Stocking Distributor.

By appointing a European Stocking Distributor, Dynon expects to improve its overall service for its European customers. Mendelssohn will carry a complete inventory of Dynon products at their Edinburgh, UK location, so that customers can expect quick, efficient order processing, shipment and support.

Robert Hamilton, Sales and Marketing Manager for Dynon, says “We did our homework, and asked European customers who they preferred to order from within Europe. Harry Mendelssohn’s name was consistently mentioned. He is well known in the home built market, and has technical knowledge to help our customers with their orders and support. We are excited to be working with Harry as our business grows in Europe.”

Home builders, aircraft manufacturers, and avionics shops can all take advantage of European inventory, ordering, and support by going to the Mendelssohn Pilot Supply Website at www.gps.co.uk, or by calling at +44 131 447 7777. Mendelssohn will be selling directly to end-users, and also offer wholesale pricing for avionics dealers and aircraft manufacturers.

Harry Mendelssohn, MD of Mendelssohn Pilot Supplies says: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Dynon Avionics. Their affordable Glass Cockpit avionics and autopilot have been designed specifically for the LAA home builder/flexwing/3 axis/ULM Microlights. The Dynon Glass Cockpit range will enhance our traditional avionics. We can now offer a complete “custom” avionics package integrated with Dynon equipment. For years our EASA approved engineers have been manufacturing avionic panels and stacks to assist the home builder. We will now be able to supply the complete system ready for installation.” Harry continues – “In our opinion Dynon provides the best affordable glass cockpit avionics in the world. Their customer service is excellent and the specifications they offer with their equipment are superb. Many LAA/Home Built aircraft flying today are the envy of professional pilots – many who have said that the avionics in light aircraft is now more sophisticated than is currently fitted to many commercially operated aircraft. Now the home build enthusiast can have supplies, fabrication of panels and most importantly technical backup during the European working day”.

Founded in 2000, Dynon Avionics is the leading manufacturer of avionics for Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft. Continuing a tradition started with the introduction of their first Electronic Flight Information System “glass panel”, Dynon is committed to developing innovative and high-quality avionics at affordable prices for all pilots.

For more information about Dynon Avionics Inc., please contact Robert Hamilton, Sales and Marketing Manager, at 425-402-0433 or Robert@DynonAvionics.com.

August 10, 2009

With Blue Mountain Avionics closing their doors, many of their customers have told us they no longer have support for their primary flight instruments. Dynon would like to help those pilots with a special upgrade offer.

For anyone who purchases a new Dynon SkyView System with a display and ADAHRS module, and ships Dynon a Blue Mountain Avionics EFIS system, Dynon will rebate $1,000. This offer will be good for six months after we start shipping the new SkyView System which is scheduled for December 1st.

This offer will be good for six months after we start shipping the new SkyView System.

Customer must purchase, at a minimum, a SkyView display (either 7" or 10") and an ADAHRS Module.

Customer must ship us the the Blue Mountain Avionics EFIS system along with a completed Rebate Form, and we will then issue a rebate check. A rebate form will be available on this page at a later date.

Blue Mountain systems consists of a display unit and ADAHRS module, if separate.

Only one rebate is available per customer.

This rebate cannot be combined with any other discount or rebate.

Rebates must be requested within 90 days of Dynon Purchase.

The Dynon unit can be purchased directly from us or through an authorized dealer. Sales receipt required.

August 6, 2009

Dynon Avionics Offers $1000 Rebate to Blue Mountain Owners

August 6, 2009

With Blue Mountain Avionics closing their doors, many of their customers have told us they no longer have support for their primary flight instruments. Dynon would like to help those pilots with a special upgrade offer.

For anyone who purchases a new Dynon SkyView System with a display and ADAHRS module, and ships Dynon a Blue Mountain Avionics EFIS system, Dynon will rebate $1,000. This offer will be good through December 31st, 2010.

This offer will be good for six months after we start shipping the new SkyView System.

Customer must purchase, at a minimum, a SkyView display (either 7" or 10") and an ADAHRS Module.

Customer must ship us the the Blue Mountain Avionics EFIS system along with a completed Rebate Form, and we will then issue a rebate check. A rebate form will be available on this page at a later date.

Blue Mountain systems consists of a display unit and ADAHRS module, if separate.

Only one rebate is available per customer.

This rebate cannot be combined with any other discount or rebate.

Rebates must be requested within 90 days of Dynon Purchase.

The Dynon unit can be purchased directly from us or through an authorized dealer. Sales receipt required.

July 24, 2009

Two testbed airplanes recently started flying the Dynon SkyView system!

We've got an RV-6A:

And an RV-8 (WITH tons of left over room! I think this guy might like Dynon just a bit):

Both of these installations are of the 10" screen too!

This is a big milestone for us - we consider it the start of what we call "Alpha" testing, where we shake out the really major performance and functional bugs while we drive towards feature-completeness. Then, at a later date, we'll roll out to a slightly wider audience of handpicked friend-of-the-company with our Beta program.

July 23, 2009

We now have a name for the (formerly known as) Next Generation family of Dynon products. At Airventure 2009 we'll be unveiling the Dynon SkyView!

It only took what seemed like endless sessions of forced pair voting (around the office), customer and pilot polls, and many "spirited" discussions. An interesting statistic is that once we came together on "SkyView", 11 out of 12 pilots preferred it to other leading names in blind comparison taste tests.

So if you'll be in Wisconsin next week, come see the current status of the new SkyView products for yourself! We hope to see you at Oshkosh, in Building D, Booths 4053 & 4054.

We have actual working hardware to give you an idea of what's coming...soon!

If you can't come see it in person, read all about it on our Website, where we have updated information including mechanical specifications. You can find the new information at www.DynonSkyView.com

Pricing is still TBD - we'll probably hold that close to the vest until we're closer to release.

July 20, 2009

Dale County Sheriff's Department will soon "Fly Dynon". They are purchasing six EFIS-D10A electronic flight information systems to equip their fleet of three helicopters. Each aircraft will sport a stack of two EFIS displays in place of the original attitude indicator and directional gyros. Tim McDonald, creator and head of the Sheriff's Aviation Department, reports he selected Dynon in part because the installation will allow the elimination of an A/C converter necessary to power the original gyros. But Tim and his pilots are also looking forward to the increased capability and vastly improved informational displays afforded by the glass panels devices.

Tim chose to install two of the 4" EFIS displays so that one can continuously present a primary flight display while the other offers a permanent HSI display. With the simple low-cost upgrade, each aircraft will be equipped with complete redundancy of not only its primary flight display, but also the flight data sensors (AHRS) which drive the displays. Internal backup batteries in each EFIS display will add yet another level of redundancy.

Just as important to Tim is the Dynon's capability to calculate and display wind vectors on both flight displays based on an integrated GPS signal from the avionics stack. He points out that wind vector information will be an invaluable aid to safety and situational awareness to pilots conducting off-airport landings and low-level operations.

Because law enforcement aircraft fly under rules governing "Public Aircraft", they are free of many of the restrictions imposed by the FAA on the installation of non-certified, non-TSO'd equipment in their aircraft. As a result, these public service aircraft can be equipped with the very latest glass panel technology, enhancing safety, system redundancy and mission capability all at a cost to public agencies that is just a fraction of the cost of a typical certified glass panel display.

Dale County Sheriff's department is not the first law enforcement agency in their state to select Dynon equipment. Tim reports that the Alabama State Troopers and Morgan County Sheriff's Department are also flying Dynon EFIS displays.

Visit me at our booth at the Colorado sport International Air Show and Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-in, at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), 22-23 August 2009 (http://www.cosportaviation.org/index.htm). I'll be giving a forum titled: "Glass Panels: Sexy or Practical?" Date and times for the forums are yet to be announced.

For those of you on the west side of the Rockies, I'll be in Caldwell Idaho the two days prior to that airshow, giving a presentation in the shop/hangar of Maule Mods, at Caldwell Airport about 20 miles west of Boise. Time of the presentation is 6:30-8:00pm. Contact Johan at Maule Mods to inquire about the presentation and to find out what Maule Mods is all about! (Johan Pieterse, http://www.MauleMods.com)

July 13, 2009

While many companies are shutting down or laying people off, we're fortunate enough to be able to hire some new faces to help fuel our growth.

Kirk Kleinholz is joining Dynon to help with our marketing efforts as Sales Account Manager. Where you'll see his impact is at many of the smaller, more regional fly-ins and events that we haven't had the ability to send anyone to before.

Kirk is a Private Pilot, CFII and Commercial, loves Maules, and isn't at all bashful about asking you for a ride in your airplane. He also sports the only haircut worth having (in my opinion):

If you have an event that you think Dynon and Kirk should consider attending, please email us at marketing at dynonavionics.com.

Woodinville, WA, USA, May 26, 2009 - Dynon Avionics, Inc. today announced the release of new software version 5.1 for their EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) and EMS (Engine Monitoring System) products. This software upgrade is available free to all existing EFIS-D10A, EFIS-D100, FlightDEK-D180, EMS-D10, and EMS-D120 customers and will ship with new instruments.

IMPROVED ATTITUDE RELIABILITY

Dynon Avionics EFISs are installed in thousands of aircraft and are used in everything from VFR-equipped Cub replicas to technically advanced aircraft capable of “hard” IFR. With this latest software update, the ADAHRS (Air Data, Attitude, Heading Reference System) inside every Dynon EFIS receives a significant and free performance upgrade with the ability to provide a reliable artificial horizon even when major systems in the aircraft have failed.

Dynon’s ADAHRS has previously required a valid airspeed reading through connections to the pitot/static system in order to maintain an accurate attitude in all flight regimes. Airspeed data gives Dynon’s products class-leading performance, allowing its attitude indicator to recover in ways most others can not. For example, Dynon EFIS systems can be powered up or rebooted in-flight and provide accurate attitude indication within seconds of coming online. Additionally, even after aggressive aerobatics at extreme rates, the attitude indication on a Dynon EFIS system automatically returns to full capability seconds after the aircraft is returned to lower rate, coordinated flight. These capabilities are automatic and require no pilot input whatsoever.

Historically, the attitude indication provided by a Dynon EFIS would become less accurate if airspeed became unavailable to the system. Though such a failure is extremely unlikely (especially when an IFR-equipped aircraft is equipped with a heated pitot), Dynon has endeavored to make its products as robust as possible when faced with system failures.

When a Dynon Avionics EFIS is upgraded to version 5.1 and has a GPS connected to it, GPS ground speed can be automatically substituted for airspeed when the EFIS detects that the airspeed indication has failed (usually because of an iced, blocked, or otherwise disconnected pitot). When this happens, the EFIS annunciates that its attitude indication is in a “GPS Assist” mode. The EFIS display also shows GPS ground speed next to the failed airspeed indication to help the pilot maintain situational awareness. Most importantly, when in GPS Assist mode, the attitude provided by Dynon EFIS systems continues to be accurate.

ADDITIONAL AUTOPILOT CAPABILITY

True Preselects

When a Dynon Autopilot is configured with the optional panel-mounted AP74 Dedicated Autopilot Interface Module, pilots can configure the way that that the autopilot engages to enable true preselecting of magnetic heading, GPS ground track, or Altitude targets before the autopilot is engaged. This allows pilots to pre-set their direction and altitude targets in anticipation of ATC clearances, reducing workload in IFR flight.

VOR / Localizer Autopilot Tracking

The Dynon Autopilot can now fly VORs and the localizer (lateral) component of ILS approaches! With this added capability - formerly only available on autopilots costing many thousands more - Dynon once again redefines the Autopilot price / performance equation.

GPS Steering

When paired with a capable IFR GPS unit (such as the popular Garmin 430/530 series) and Dynon’s HS34 HSI expansion module, GPS steering (GPSS) commands are now followed by the Dynon Autopilot when available. GPS Steering commands allow the Dynon Autopilot to benefit from the advanced navigation features available in modern IFR GPSs. One of the popular features this enables is the ability for the Autopilot to “cut the corner” when approaching waypoints instead of first overflying them before turning.

About Dynon Avionics

Founded in 2000, Dynon Avionics is the leading manufacturer of avionics for Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft. Continuing a tradition started with the introduction of their first Electronic Flight Information System “glass panel”, Dynon is committed to developing innovative and high-quality avionics at affordable prices for all pilots.

For more information about Dynon Avionics Inc., please contact Robert Hamilton, Sales and Marketing Manager, at 425-402-0433 or info@dynonavionics.com.

May 21, 2009

Because some of you like to keep it simple, we're excited to announce our new, lower priced EFIS-D6 and EFIS-D60. The EFIS-D6 starts at $1600; the EFIS-D60 at $1900. To further sweeten the deal, the D6 price includes the popular remote compass, while the D60 includes a remote compass and the high brightness screen. They can be ordered now and will begin shipping on May 29th.

Based on our existing EFIS products and technology, these two new models trade some of the advanced features in our product line to get pricing to unheard of levels for glass. So while the EFIS-D6 and EFIS-D60 don't do Autopilot, HSI, and some other things (see the full comparison chart for details), they are both a COMPLETE "six pack" of primary flight instruments (and then some)! Options such as Angle of Attack, battery backup, and the altitude encoder converter are all still available with the D6/D60. The only non-supported option is OAT.

We've worked hard to make the EFIS-D6 and EFIS-D60 incredibly easy to install and use. If you've been afraid to "go glass" because the complexity of EFIS system overwhelm you, this is the perfect entry-level product for you.

Have a vacuum pump or attitude indicator that's on its way out? Consider replacing it with a COMPLETE set of primary flight instruments for about the same as it would cost to replace just your gyro!

Upgrades are available (for just $100 more than the original price difference) if you start with the EFIS-D6 or EFIS-D60 and later decide you want the added benefit of the full EFIS-D10A or EFIS-D100 feature-set.

New Low-cost Glass Panels from Dynon

For only $1,600, homebuilders can now install modern avionics at steam gauge prices.

Woodinville, WA, USA, May 28, 2009 - Dynon Avionics, Inc. today announced the release of two new EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) products. The EFIS-D6 and EFIS-D60 offer modern glass panel avionics at the low cost of only $1,600 and $1,900.

Replace Your Steam Gauges

Because some like to keep it simple, Dynon now offers these basic, even more affordable versions of its best-selling primary flight displays. Perfect for pilots that want to save panel weight, space, and installation time compared to a conventional six-pack. At only $1,600, the EFIS-D6 costs less than the traditional gauges it replaces.

The EFIS-D6 and EFIS-D60 are simpler versions of the well-proven 4” EFIS-D10A and 7” EFIS-D100. The primary functions duplicate a traditional six-pack: airspeed, attitude, altitude, turn coordinator, gyro stabilized heading (DG), and vertical speed, while also adding a voltmeter and altitude encoder. Angle of Attack (AoA) and a battery backup may be added as options. Both products include a remote compass, and the D60 includes Dynon’s high brightness screen.

Glass Panel Revolution

Over the past decade many aircraft builders have switched to glass panel displays because of their enhanced features, lighter weight and greater reliability. They then discovered that Dynon glass panels are easy to fly behind, and are not a hard transition from steam. The only remaining reason to keep steam gauges has been the increased cost of glass, but with the introduction of these new Dynon instruments even that has gone away.

At any time a customer may upgrade the D6 to a D10A or a D60 to a D100. After the upgrade, the customer will have access to the full feature set of the Dynon EFIS products, including a full HSI and glideslope with connectivity to GPS and NAV radios, autopilot, networking between Dynon EFIS and EMS products, heading and altitude bugs, checklists, data logging, clock, timers, OAT and GPS derived data, and altitude alerts.

Note to editors: High-resolution images of the EFIS-D6 and EFIS-D60 can be downloaded at www.dynonavionics.com

About Dynon Avionics

Founded in 2000, Dynon Avionics is the leading manufacturer of avionics for Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft. Continuing a tradition started with the introduction of their first Electronic Flight Information System glass panel, Dynon is committed to developing innovative and high-quality avionics at affordable prices for all pilots.

For more information about Dynon Avionics Inc., please contact Robert Hamilton, Sales and Marketing Manager, at 425-402-0433 or info@dynonavionics.com.

April 15, 2009

Hopefully this doesn't offend the half of you who didn't like the "original" poster that this is based on, but once I saw this floating around the office, I needed to share it...

Credit for this totally derived from copyrighted material original work of art goes to our own Dan Howe, who you'll likely get on the phone if you call us at 425-402-0433 to place an order or talk about the different configurations of our products that are available.

March 19, 2009

Many of you may know that our original EFIS-D10 provided assistance during the airplane-like glide phase SpaceShipOne. Well, click play below to see what Mike Melville thought of it during one of his flights to space! This audio is just a couple minutes from touchdown.

March 16, 2009

Capstan autopilot servos are now available for use in aircraft that utilize cable-driven control surfaces.

Capstan servos come with the bridle cable and clamp necessary to be used in aircraft with 1/8” cables. Capstan servo models are denoted with a “C” suffix (i.e., SV32C, SV42C).

Capstan servos are priced at $750 -- like all other Dynon Autopilot servos -- and can be ordered via our online store, our downloadable order form, Dynon Avionics dealers, or by calling us directly at 425-402-0433.

February 18, 2009

Now that it's clear that this blog thing is catching on (grin), we've decided to fire one up to communicate some of the shorter thoughts and goings on at Dynon that don't quite fit into the other types of resources we have available. Incidentally, links to those places, including our web site, support forums, FAQs, etc can be found along the right side of this blog, along with our company phone number and email addresses.

If you'd like to subscribe to our blog in order to receive updates, there are a couple of links that support the most common blog readers over there on the right as well.